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Google and Samsung announced today the availability of Android’s latest worst-kept secret, the Nexus S. Though not officially positioned as such, the Nexus S is an update to the now-retired HTC Nexus One. Like its predecessor, the Nexus S offers the “pure Google” experience without a disruptive manufacturer skin. That means you’ll get direct access to a full set of Google applications, and both versions of the phone, whether you buy it for $529 or $199 with a two-year T-Mobile contract, will be unlocked. Google may be pursuing a quieter product release strategy this time around, but it’s clear the company hasn’t abandoned the basic Nexus concept despite the first handset’s stumbles.
Yet, the Nexus S also stands apart from the Nexus One. It’s the first handset with “Gingerbread,” the next version of the Android operating system, and it offers a number of feature improvements like a Super AMOLED display with a contour design, an NFC chip, and a second camera. Not everything sounds promising–the Nexus S lacks a memory card slot and support for T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network–but we’re excited to see it just the same. Look for a review this week.
| Feature | HTC Nexus One | Samsung Nexus S | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| * Though the Nexus S is compatible with AT&T’s voice network, it supports the T-Mobile 3G data network only. | ||||
| Android version (at time of release) | Eclair (2.1) | Gingerbread (2.3) | ||
| Processor | 1GHz Snapdragon | 1GHz Hummingbird | ||
| Display type | 3.7-inch AMOLED | 4-inch Super AMOLED | ||
| Display resolution | 16.7 million colors; 800×480 pixels | 16.7 million colors; 800×480 pixels | ||
| Accelerometer? | Yes | Yes | ||
| Camera | 5-megapixel | 5-megapixel | ||
| Video recording | 720×480 pixels; 20fps | 720×480 pixels; 30fps | ||
| Camera flash | Yes | Yes | ||
| Front-facing camera? | No | Yes | ||
| Bluetooth | 2.1 (A2DP) | 2.1 (A2DP) | ||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g | 802.11 b/g/n | ||
| USB | 2.0 | 2.0 | ||
| NFC chip? | No | Yes | ||
| 3-axis gyroscope? | No | Yes | ||
| Digital compass? | Yes | Yes | ||
| Internal memory | 512MB | 16GB | ||
| microSD card slot | Yes, up to 32GB | No | ||
| RAM | 512MB | 512MB | ||
| Size (inches) | 4.56 long by 2.36 wide by 0.47 deep | 4.88 long by 2.48 wide by 0.43 deep | ||
| Weight (ounces) | 4.58 | 4.55 | ||
| Cellular bands | GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 | GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 | ||
| 3G data networks* | AWS 900/2100 | AWS 900/1700/2100 (no HSPA+ support) | ||
| Battery | 1,400mAh | 1,500mAh | ||
| Rated talk time | 7 hours | 6 hours | ||
| Rated standby time | 10.4 days | 17. 8 days | ||
